It's Cybersecurity Month: Passwords Are Passé — Here’s What to Use Instead

WWU News

On This Page

• WWU Stories
• News Releases and Announcements
• WWU in the News
• Campus News and Information

It's Cybersecurity Month: Passwords Are Passé - Here's What to Use Instead

October 20, 2025

Passwords have been the cornerstone of online security for decades, but they're no longer enough. Weak passwords, reused credentials, and phishing attacks make traditional logins vulnerable.

At Western, we're encouraging everyone to move toward passwordless authentication and multi-factor authentication (MFA) where supported.

What Is Passwordless Authentication?

It's a secure login method that uses biometrics (like fingerprint or face recognition), hardware tokens, or mobile apps instead of passwords. Microsoft Authenticator, for example, lets you approve logins with a tap-no password required. And Windows Hello For Business lets you sign into your Windows PC with your face, fingerprint, or a dedicated PIN.

Why MFA Matters:

Even if your password is stolen, MFA adds a second layer of protection. It's required for all WWU students and employees, works with most applications on campus (incluidng Banner, Canvas, and Microsoft 365), and is one of the easiest ways to prevent account compromise.

Tips for Strong Authentication:

• Use MFA everywhere: Enable it on personal accounts like banking, email, and social media.
• Avoid SMS codes: Use app-based authentication when possible-it's more secure. The Microsoft Authenticator app is free on iPhone and Android, and will work with your WWU account.
• Don't reuse passwords: If you still use passwords, make them long and unique. Store them in a password manager application like 1Password or Bitwarden.

Security starts with access. Let's make sure only the right people get in.